Review: ElvenStorm – Blood Leads To Glory

Finally, a new release from France’s ElvenStorm! Following on from 2011’s Of Rage And War, we have another eleven tracks of war-themed classic female-fronted metal. ElvenStorm were Band of the Day back in February (and June 2013 because I fucked up and included them twice), and I was a big fan of the first album. So how does the second hold up?

Well, if anything it’s faster and heavier than Of Rage And War. A brief into track rapidly gives way to “Reign in Glory” which is played at manic pace.

“Werewolves of the East” (which you can hear below) continue the breakneck theme, until “Temple of the Sun” offers a little respite in the form of slower rhythm and heavier tone.

“Black Hordes” has probably the best opening on the album with a magnificent swell which is repeated in the bridges. It’s back to the fast pace with with one as well.

In fact, the majority of the album is backed with a ridiculously fast drumbeat that I cannot fathom how they would manage live! Not for a whole set, surely? The riffs are simple yet catchy, as any good heavy metal guitarwork should be, with solos shredding the ears from your head.

Vocals are well mixed and never drowned out, though do seem to come across better on the slower/heavier tracks such as “Where Angels Dare To Die” – which happens to be probably my favourite track on the album.

ElvenStorm have passed the “difficult second album” test with flying colours.

Release date is September 6th through Infernö Records. It comes with an 8-page booklet. Available as regular CD & Digipack CD. Cassette version limited to 100 copies!